Is Tuberculosis Still Prevalent?

Tuberculosis (TB) known as consumption was a major killer in the past. Before antibiotics were developed in the 1940's the only way to treat pulmonary tuberculosis was with cold, pure air.  The rich were often lucky enough to go to mountainous areas in Europe such as the Alps.

Over 30% of the world population carries the TB bacterium in their bodies although only a small percentage contracts the disease.  The disease is prevalent in developing countries and with the HIV/Aids virus this is now on the increase once again.

In 2004 the number of people who had active TB worldwide was around14.6 million, with a staggering 8.9 million new cases and 1.7 million deaths.

The World Health Organisation declared TB a global emergency in 1993 and reintroduced a control programme.  The Global Plan to Stop TB is calling for $56 billion to be spent between 2006 and 2015 to help treat the disease.